Sterling silver-gilt emu egg mechanical case on stand, Adelaide
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An unusual sterling silver-gilt and emu egg mechanical case on stand, ( lady's Companion) makers mark of J M Wendt Adelaide, Australian 19th century. emu finial and gilt interior, push down spring mechanism that opens the two sides of the egg to reveal the interior, supported on chains. Provenance: Acquired by the vendors Bonhams London 27/06/2009 Lot 234, 51 cm high, base diameter 9 cm
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- Finial - An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items, such as spoons, they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.
Finials have a variety of shapes and forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.
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